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1 – 10 of 75Linh Duong, Helen S. Sanderson, Wendy Phillips, Jens K. Roehrich and Victor Uwalaka
Geopolitical disruptions significantly impact the management of temporary healthcare supply chains (HSCs). Common across geopolitical disruptions is the interruption to the flow…
Abstract
Purpose
Geopolitical disruptions significantly impact the management of temporary healthcare supply chains (HSCs). Common across geopolitical disruptions is the interruption to the flow of supplies, calling for organizations to reconfigure their existing supply chains or set up temporary ones. We theoretically and empirically investigate how temporary HSCs are designed to ensure a resilient flow of vital healthcare products during a geopolitical disruption.
Design/methodology/approach
We investigated two different temporary HSCs – potable water and blood products – that experienced geopolitical disruptions. We purposefully sampled HSCs in deployed medical care where healthcare providers operate in resource-austere, politically volatile environments and timing and access to specialist expertise, medical equipment and medicines are critical. We built on rich datasets, including archival data, 12 expert workshops and 41 interviews.
Findings
The nature of temporary HSCs (e.g. urgency of demand and time-limited need) and product characteristics (e.g. perishability and strict storage conditions) lead to complexity in designing resilience for temporary HSCs. In contrast to permanent supply chains, temporary HSCs have limited flexibility and redundancy. Collaboration and agility are predominant strategies for enhancing resilience for temporary HSCs.
Practical implications
The study uncovers an urgent need for radical changes in how managers and policymakers responsible for HSC address resilience. During geopolitical disruptions, managers and policymakers need to review healthcare regulations across nations and prioritize by activating high levels of information- and knowledge-sharing between nations.
Originality/value
This study addresses an underresearched area of investigation by theoretically combining and empirically investigating the supply chain strategies employed by organizations to build up resilience in temporary HSCs.
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Steven James Day, Janet Godsell and Yongyi Shou
Foreign firms in China, particularly those from the Global West, are in a difficult position as deglobalisation and strained international relations create risk. This paper offers…
Abstract
Purpose
Foreign firms in China, particularly those from the Global West, are in a difficult position as deglobalisation and strained international relations create risk. This paper offers research avenues on how operations and supply chain management scholars can analyse the risk factors, de-risking practices, and de-risking outcomes of foreign firms in China.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is primarily based on interviews with managers of foreign firms’ subsidiaries and joint ventures in China between late 2019 and early 2024 and employs institutional theory to develop a conceptual framework.
Findings
Six risk factors motivating foreign firms to consider “China+1” (diversification and multi-sourcing) or “In-China-For-China” (localisation with potential bifurcation) are identified. Four pathways focusing on politics, locations, technologies, and people enable further investigation of these de-risking strategies.
Originality/value
This is the first paper to take a deeper look at perceptions, worries, and considerations of foreign firms in China and offers specific recommendations for impactful research.
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Remi Charpin and Martin Cousineau
This paper examines the influence of geopolitical tensions—operationalized as political divergence between governments—on firms’ foreign supply bases and the resulting effects on…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the influence of geopolitical tensions—operationalized as political divergence between governments—on firms’ foreign supply bases and the resulting effects on supply base complexity and sub-tier supplier sharing.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conduct panel data regression analyses over the period 2003–2019 to investigate whether political divergence affects foreign supply bases for 2,858 US firms sourcing from 99 countries and to examine how political divergence exposure impacts the supply network structures of 853 US firms.
Findings
Firms reduce their supply bases in countries exposed to heightened geopolitical tensions. These supply chain adjustments are associated with increased supply base complexity and greater sub-tier supplier sharing.
Originality/value
This study highlights the importance of state relations in global supply chain reconfiguration. Political divergence between governments provides a dual-view of political risk (i.e. buyer–supplier countries), which can help firms anticipate geopolitical disruptions. While reducing supply bases in foreign countries facing heightened geopolitical tensions is intended to mitigate disruptions, these supply base adjustments are linked to increased supply base complexity and sub-tier supplier sharing, thereby exposing firms to other types of supply disruptions. Additionally, this research contributes to understanding the effects of geopolitical tensions on supply base complexity through the lenses of transaction cost economics and resource dependence theory.
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Kok Beng Loh and Cheng Ling Tan
This research aims to determine if agility and internal integration constitute direct antecedents to resilience and organizational recovery in small and medium enterprises (SMEs…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to determine if agility and internal integration constitute direct antecedents to resilience and organizational recovery in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) manufacturing. This study is based on the resource-based view in developing the framework. The literature-based review is drawn up to link internal integration and agile and resilient practices to its recovery.
Design/methodology/approach
The study proposes a random sampling technique to draw the samples from Malaysian SME manufacturing firms. A total of 110 samples were collected and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.
Findings
The results confirmed that agility and internal integration positively affect resilient directly and indirectly. A higher level of agility, internal integration and resilience also improves organizational recovery.
Originality/value
The study underlines that organizational strategies should be designed with resilience as agility and internal integration alone are inadequate for organizations to attain recovery and competitive advantage. The results are practical since the proposed structural model employs empirical data.
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Hamid Moradlou, Heather Skipworth, Lydia Bals, Emel Aktas and Samuel Roscoe
This paper seeks insights into how multinational enterprises restructure their global supply chains to manage the uncertainty caused by geopolitical disruptions. To answer this…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks insights into how multinational enterprises restructure their global supply chains to manage the uncertainty caused by geopolitical disruptions. To answer this question, we investigate three significant geopolitical disruptions: Brexit, the US-China trade war and the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses an inductive theory-elaboration approach to build on Organisational Learning Theory and Dunning’s eclectic paradigm of international production. Twenty-nine expert interviews were conducted with senior supply chain executives across 14 multinational manufacturing firms. The analysis is validated by triangulating secondary data sources, including standard operating procedures, annual reports and organisational protocols.
Findings
We find that, when faced with significant geopolitical disruptions, companies develop and deploy supply chain structural ambidexterity in different ways. Specifically, during Covid-19, the US-China trade war and Brexit, companies developed and deployed three distinct types of supply chain structural ambidexterity through (1) partitioning internal subunits, (2) reconfiguring supplier networks and (3) creating parallel supply chains.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to Dunning’s eclectic paradigm by explaining how organisational ambidexterity is extended beyond firm boundaries and embedded in supply chains to mitigate uncertainty and gain exploration and exploitation benefits. During significant geopolitical disruptions, we find that managers make decisions in tight timeframes. Therefore, based on the transition time available, we propose three types of supply chain structural ambidexterity. We conclude with a managerial framework to assist firms in developing supply chain structural ambidexterity in response to geopolitical disruptions.
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Julien Bazile, Anne-Marie Côté, Said Toumi and Zhan Su
This study aims to develop an integrative framework for strategic intelligence (SI) tailored to guide companies navigating systemic disruptions within global supply chains…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop an integrative framework for strategic intelligence (SI) tailored to guide companies navigating systemic disruptions within global supply chains, identifying key determinants for its effective deployment. Current literature on management systems addresses SI components individually, hindering a precise definition and implementation strategy. This systematic review aims to fill these gaps by establishing a conceptual model of SI capability, emphasizing the interdependence of its dimensions.
Design/methodology/approach
Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) mixed-method analysis approach and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, this systematic review synthesizes empirical studies, conceptual papers, mathematical models and literature reviews on SI capability dimensions. It adopts a flexible approach to explore SI within supply chain resilience during systemic crises.
Findings
The study enhances and broadens the field of dynamic capabilities (DCs) by advancing knowledge on SI as a dynamic capability inducing resilience within supply chains facing systemic risks. Additionally, it synthesizes and offers perspective on a rapidly expanding body of literature from the past three years, identifying emerging trends and gaps.
Research limitations/implications
This research focused on three capacities: Supply Chain Visibility (SCV), Environmental Dynamism (ED) and Timely Seizing and Detection-Making (TSDM). While other dynamic capabilities may enhance SC resilience (SCR), this study emphasized the analytical and decision-making dimensions critical for improving SCR.
Originality/value
This systematic literature review introduces a novel conceptual framework, providing a foundation for empirical investigations. By offering an integrated theoretical perspective, the study proposes actionable research propositions and insights into SI’s strategic role in crisis management within supply chains.
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Minghao Zhu, Shucheng Miao, Hugo K.S. Lam, Chen Liang and Andy C.L. Yeung
This study aims to investigate the impact of geopolitical risk (GPR) on supply chain concentration (SCC) and the roles of operational capabilities and resources in this…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of geopolitical risk (GPR) on supply chain concentration (SCC) and the roles of operational capabilities and resources in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Secondary longitudinal data from multiple sources is collected and combined to test for a direct impact of GPR on SCC. We further examine the moderating effects of firms’ operational capabilities and resources (i.e. firm resilience, operational slack and cash holding). Fixed-effect regression models are applied to test the hypotheses, followed by a series of robustness tests to check the consistency of the results.
Findings
Consistent with the tenets of resource dependence theory, our analysis reveals a significant negative impact of GPR on SCC. Moreover, we find that this adverse effect is attenuated for firms with higher levels of resilience, more operational slack and greater cash holdings. Further analysis suggests that maintaining a diversified supply chain base during heightened GPR is associated with a firm’s improved financial performance.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the supply chain management (SCM) literature by integrating GPR into the supply chain risk management framework. Additionally, it demonstrates the roles of diversification and operational resources in addressing GPR-induced challenges.
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Jamal El Baz, Pietro Evangelista, Fedwa Jebli and Edward Sweeney
The purpose of this research is to shed light on illegal supply chains (ISCs) and the factors (enablers) behind their emergence using data on the grain supply chain in Ukraine.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to shed light on illegal supply chains (ISCs) and the factors (enablers) behind their emergence using data on the grain supply chain in Ukraine.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-step methodology was adopted. First, documentary sources (including press articles, published papers, reports and grey literature) on grain ISCs in Ukraine were analysed using the Fraud Diamond theory with the aim of identifying the main underlying issues. Second, interviews with experts were conducted to elaborate on the propositions regarding ISC design and enablers.
Findings
The findings revealed the existence of two ISCs in Ukraine: the fraudulent grain and looted-grain supply chains (SCs). We propose an integrative ISC framework based on a combination of Fraud Diamond theory components (pressure, opportunity, rationalisation and capability) and SC network design elements (formalisation, centralisation, complexity and density). We suggest that ISCs in conflict regions emerge owing to geopolitical instability and lack of logistics optimisation and provide several propositions for further research.
Research limitations/implications
This research contributes to the literature on ISCs by offering a nuanced understanding of their design and enablers. It underscores the impact of geopolitical disruptions on ISC operations and highlights how factors such as logistical inefficiencies, bottlenecks and infrastructural weaknesses facilitate the activities of these illicit networks. This study provides valuable insights beyond the context of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, offering broader applicability to other scenarios where disruptions – whether geopolitical, economic or environmental – expose SC vulnerabilities.
Practical implications
The results of this study can be informative for government authorities and policymakers in formulating measures aimed at addressing illegality in SCs.
Originality/value
This study is the first to investigate ISCs in conflict areas by analysing the case of the grain SC in Ukraine. This study provides a solid foundation for future research on ISCs with similar characteristics.
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Anshima Anshima, Bhawana Bhardwaj, Dipanker Sharma and Mohinder Chand
Over time, sustainability and human resource management (HRM) have become inseparable. The duo involves applying the multifaceted idea of sustainability and the United Nations'…
Abstract
Purpose
Over time, sustainability and human resource management (HRM) have become inseparable. The duo involves applying the multifaceted idea of sustainability and the United Nations' (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) to people and work organizations. Lately, green human resource management (GHRM) has emerged as a distinct area to explore organizational initiatives, aimed at sustainable practices. Despite the potential growth of literature in specified domains, there is a dearth of studies focused on synthesizing the literature from sustainability and organizational performance views. The present study aims to review and synthesize extant literature on sustainable and green HRM and their role in organizational performance and propose a future research agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study is based on the review of 65 articles on sustainable and green HRM. Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Review (SPAR-4-SLR) and theory, characteristics, context and methodology (TCCM) framework have been applied to synthesize the results. Scopus is used as a major database for retrieving the articles. The publications for this research are selected using CABS ranking (4*, 4 and 3) as the criterion.
Findings
Application of the TCCM framework and synthesis of the literature revealed that the introduction of SDGs and emphasis on sustainability has reinvigorated research interest in sustainable HRM and tremendous research being published post-SDGs adoption. GHRM plays an important role in affecting organizational performance The results also revealed the widespread use of resource-based perspective, social identity theory, A-M-O and social exchange theory. Additionally, the quantitative approach has been largely employed for GHRM research. Future research can be undertaken by employing a qualitative approach as current literature due to the dearth of qualitative approaches in contemporary literature.
Practical implications
This study advances the body of knowledge by offering a unified conceptual framework and surfaces the latest trends and future directions in this domain. A conceptual framework can be empirically tested in future studies. The study identifies antecedents, moderators, mediators and outcomes of GHRM. The application of these variables can practically help in achieving sustainability and organizational effectiveness. It can further align organizational efforts toward the achievement of sustainable development goals. The concept establishes the role of GHRM in organizational performance.
Originality/value
Despite the growing literature in the domain of GHRM, knowledge remains diverse and piecemeal. Anchored by several theoretical lenses, the concept of GHRM is a fragmented phenomenon. As a result, this Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is critical in identifying gaps and bringing to light various theories that can enhance the domain's theoretical lens. The role of antecedents, moderators and mediators of GHRM in affecting organizational performance has been established. Furthermore, by synthesizing the methods used to get authentic and robust results, the piece of research will serve as a guide for future researchers.
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The purpose of this study is to examine the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the foreign currency crisis that occurred in the Nigeria from 2014 to 2017.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the foreign currency crisis that occurred in the Nigeria from 2014 to 2017.
Design/methodology/approach
The author adopts a qualitative approach using data collected from CBN websites (e.g., official documents, reports and memorandums), newspaper articles and interviews with key market participants.
Findings
The paper leverages the concept of the earmarking of money (Zelizer, 1989) to elucidate the idiosyncratic policies of a central bank (i.e. the CBN) facing a foreign currency crisis. It demonstrates how CBN policies led to earmarking foreign currencies, which disrupted local currency as unit of account in foreign currency markets. The paper not only examines the nexus of the social relations of money and money as a unit of account within unique contexts but also how local institutions and foreign currency earmarking became mutually reconstitutive.
Practical implications
This study illustrates the dilemma many emerging countries face in managing different types of foreign currency inflows.
Social implications
With increasing transnational flows of foreign currencies, understanding how recipient nations states manage currency flows beyond their control becomes a salient issue.
Originality/value
While other studies have demonstrated earmarking at the individual level, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate earmarking of money at the macroeconomic level.
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